Cinnamon Apple Cake
Cinnamon Apple Cake: Cozy, Tender, and Perfect for Fall Baking
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is everything warm and cozy wrapped into one delicious bite. It’s soft, tender, and filled with juicy apples, warm spices, and irresistible cinnamon swirls that make your whole house smell like the holidays. This is the cake you bake when the weather cools down, sweaters come out of the closet, and you’re craving something that feels nostalgic, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
The History and Inspiration Behind This Recipe
Cinnamon apple desserts have been a fall and winter tradition for generations, with variations of apple cakes appearing in European, American, and Middle Eastern kitchens for centuries. Apples have long been a dependable cold-weather fruit, making them a natural fit for cozy cakes and bakes that warm the home when produce is scarce. This recipe draws inspiration from old-fashioned apple snacking cakes—simple, rustic bakes that rely on pantry staples and seasonal fruit to create something truly special without any fuss.
I also wanted to create the kind of cake that feels just indulgent enough for a cozy, cold morning—something you can enjoy for breakfast with a warm cup of coffee, wrapped in your favorite sweater, while the house slowly wakes up. This Cinnamon Apple Cake captures that feeling perfectly. It’s soft, warmly spiced, and filled with tender apples that taste like comfort. It’s the cake you bake when you want the house to smell amazing, when you’re craving something nostalgic, or when the holiday season calls for a dessert that’s equal parts simple and special.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Cake
You’ll love this cozy plant-based cake because it brings together tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a soft crumb that stays moist for days. It’s simple to make, magical straight from the oven, and even better the next day as the flavors deepen. This cake makes a lovely afternoon snack with tea, a gorgeous holiday table centerpiece, or a perfect dessert to bring to gatherings when you want something comforting, seasonal, and universally loved.
Fun Flavor Variations For Your Cinnamon Apple Cake
Why settle for plain when you can get creative with different flavor combinations:
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Add caramelized apples: Sauté the apples in a touch of vegan butter and maple syrup before folding them into the batter for an extra-luxurious, deeply caramelized flavor that makes the cake even richer and more indulgent.
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Streusel-topped version: Add a crunchy cinnamon-oat streusel on top to give the cake a rustic bakery-style finish with a beautiful contrast in texture.
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Ginger-spice upgrade: Mix in fresh grated ginger or crystallized ginger pieces for a lively, warming kick that complements the cinnamon and makes the cake feel extra festive.
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Maple-glazed drizzle: Finish the cooled cake with a simple maple icing to add sweetness and shine without overshadowing the apple flavor.
Serving Ideas For Your Cinnamon Apple Cake
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways:
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Serve as a holiday dessert centerpiece: This cake looks beautiful on a platter and instantly sets the tone for a cozy, festive gathering, filling the room with warm cinnamon and apple aromas that feel perfect for winter celebrations.
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Pair with something creamy and cool: A generous dollop of my homemade coconut whipped cream, a swirl of store-bought dairy-free whipped topping, or a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream adds a creamy, silky contrast that melts into the warm cake and takes each bite to a whole new level.
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Make it part of an indulgent holiday breakfast or brunch: This cake is delicious the next morning with a cup of coffee or tea—soft, warmly spiced, and sweet enough to feel celebratory without being heavy. It’s the perfect “treat yourself” breakfast during the holiday season.
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Enjoy slightly warm with a drizzle of maple syrup: Warming the cake brings out the cinnamon, softens the apples, and makes the entire slice taste freshly baked again, especially when topped with a little syrup for extra coziness.
Tips For The Best Cinnamon Apple Cake
For the best results, follow these simple tips to perfect your Cinnamon Apple Cake every time:
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Use a mix of sweet-tart apples: Combining varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith creates a balanced flavor and ensures the apples stay tender without turning mushy. The only requirement is to make sure to use firm apples so they keep their texture after baking.
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Fold gently for a light crumb: Overmixing can make the cake dense, so fold in the apples carefully to keep the crumb soft and airy.
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Let the cake cool before slicing: This helps it set properly and makes the texture even more tender and cohesive.
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Balance moisture carefully: Apples add lots of natural hydration, so follow measurements closely to avoid a wet or soggy cake.
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Enhance the aroma with fresh cinnamon: Using a high-quality cinnamon (or even freshly ground!) makes a noticeable difference in warmth and fragrance.
The Final Bite
This Cinnamon Apple Cake is the kind of bake that fills your kitchen with nostalgic holiday warmth and makes every slice feel like a hug. It blends tender apples, cozy spices, and a soft, comforting crumb into a dessert that works for celebrations, gatherings, or simply a quiet evening at home with candles glowing and something warm to sip. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or enjoy it over the following days, this cake brings all the cozy winter vibes in the most delicious way. Leave a comment below to share your experience and any tips you may have for making this Cinnamon Apple Cake even more delicious!
Cinnamon Apple Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13-inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 medium Apples Cored and sliced, peeling is optional
- 1½ cups Cane Sugar
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice About the juice of ½ a lemon
- 2 tbsp Ground Flaxseeds
- 6 tbsp Water
- ¼ cup Unsweeteend Applesauce
- ½ cup Avocado Oil
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, or 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour
- 1½ tsp Baking Soda
- 1½ tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Sea Salt
- ¼ tsp Ground Clove
Instructions
- Core, and peel if you would like, about 4 apples. Slice them into about ¼ inch thick slices and place them into a large bowl. Add the sugar to the apples and gently mix the apple slices with the sugar to coat the apples. Next, add in the lemon juice and gently toss again. Let the apples, sugar, and lemon juice sit on the counter for 30 minutes to help soften the apples and dissolve the sugar.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and either grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Additionally, mix together your ground flaxseed and water to create your flax eggs. Set aside to gel for 5 to 10 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, add the flaxeggs, applesauce, avocado oil, and vanilla to the apples and mix gently.
- Next, add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cloves to the apple mixture. Mix gently to just combine and incorporate the dry mixture. Be careful not to break up the apple slices. Combine with a spoon carefully until the dry mixture is just incorporated.
- Pour your apple cake batter into your greased or lined 9x13-inch baking dish. This is a thick batter, so make sure to spread it out into an even layer in your pan. Transfer it into the oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick can be inserted in the center and come out clean or with only a few crumbs.
- Let the cake cool before slicing and serving! This is fun to serve with fresh whipped coconut cream* or vanilla ice cream!
- Storage Instructions: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the softest, most tender texture.